Ship Inn in Colchester

Absolutely love this traditional local pub, for classic food and great service. My parents particularly enjoy the over 55 lunch time menu.

Good price & hearty food! I have been here a few times and the food is always lovely in a cosy pub environment. Would recommend for a nice pub dinner for a reasonable price.

Excellent atmosphere food and drink fab. Staff so helpful and would recommend to visit. Will definitely be making another visit .

Very friendly staff. Very attentive highly recommended it for Sunday lunch. Very good menu if you didn't want a Sunday roast.

The meal was ok. The service was poor bordering rude.

Very good value for money good service very tasty food.Still as good as ever.

The roast was lovely. The portions are super big. We couldn't finish them and the price is quite cheap. It was fully booked inside but we sat in the garden which was lovely too. The service was really good and super quick.

Beautiful place to eat my mum step dad always eating here best place to eat up this way for miles by far we were recommended when they moved here by people in the town and brought me here for my birthday meal last year and been back since here again next month to treat my family as the food is amazing still waiting to try the roast dinners I've been told about 🙂 but the pulled pork grill and fish beat so far 👍

This has been on our list since we moved to Essex a couple of year’s ago, didn’t disappoint . Lovely friendly atmosphere and staff. Food variety amazing and reasonably priced. Also background music excellent. Many thanks table 16 today, see you again.

Food was excellent we went back the very next day after being out at the beach. My compliments to the Chef! Top fresh good quality food, good value for money excellent atmosphere, good friendly staff, lovely decor seating etc thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, we will definitely be back when next in the area.

A VERY pleasent lunch. Food excellent, nicely served by good staff. Not rushed and nice atmosphere. 'Well done everyone'. Will return!

3 for lunch on Friday afternoon. Lovely food, friendly service. Went out of their way to put sparkler candles that I brought into the pudding of the birthday boy.

Early attention very good later not so!

Came here with my sister who has been here before during the week. Restaurant was busy but we were lucky we got served quite quickly. My steak and chips was delicious- steak as I like it, lovely fat crispy chips. We were going to have dessert but after a bit of a wait and the waitress seeming to ignore us we decided not to bother. I wouldn’t come here again on a Sunday- seems too busy and not enough staff.

Couldn’t fault this venue. Lovely friendly atmosphere. Food was brilliant, they had a vegan menu and more importantly also had more than one choice of vegan desert. Service was brilliant, very friendly and helpful staff. We are booked again for end of August and end September with a group of friends.

Realy lovely place very reasonably priced food & drink

My favourite pub! Never had a bad meal, staff always friendly and such good value for money! Loads of vegetarian options 10/10

A very enjoyable family birthday lunch. Excellent food and service. Restaurant is very nicely laid out with fresh decor. Thanks

The Ship Inn, meeting partners family for first time. Amazing welcome from staff. Fantastic service followed, very attentive. We were accomodated onto a larger table than originally booked, as 9 of us, which was apparently +1 on original booking. Food wise, all plates looked ordered looked extremely well presented, each recipient appeared to enjoy their choices made, sweet and sour chicken, ploughmans lunch, fishcakes, roast pork, ours was lamb shanks. Choice of mash potatoe or chips. Arrived in a hot plate, all food hot and very tasty !! Desserts amazing. The server even remembered to ask if we needed more drinks. Drinks seemed a bit expensive, but everything was amazing. Cant wait to visit again x Thank you to whole team, who seemed happy to be there, and who made us feel very welcome. Our waitress even helped by taking a group photo in the garden before we left xx Highly recommended !!!

the family has been using the ship for nearly 20 years menu has a lot of variation and not asking a lot for most of the dishes food is OK nothing to shout home about but for the price it's well received by the majority of pensioners who use the establishment and it's set in a nice environment not somewhere I'd personally go however happy to accommodate the family

I really enjoyed the dinner, service was good well worth a visit

This is a nice place to eat & reasonably priced. Good veggie/vegan menu & very tasty. However, I found my starter to be too big. Had I known how large it was going to be I wouldn’t have ordered a main!! I had the battered halloumi. It looked like 2 pieces of battered cod with salad. Too filling. Tasty, yes, but one piece of halloumi would have been enough.

I pre booked a table for 6 people on a Friday night, when we arrived we were given a really small circle table enough to seat 4. Having plates, glasses, sauces and cutlery was cramped let alone if you wanted to move. Food however was delicious and hot, dessert was lovely too. The waitress that served us throughout well ... she was rude, tutted that she brought the wrong food out, and if you was to ask her a question you could see it was too much trouble ! Therefore we didn't leave a tip other than " Service with a smile", it doesn't hurt to smile and be polite. Sadly we won't be returning!

A food pub and restaurant. Service was good along with the food. A food choise on the menu along with a special over and under 55 menu.

Hard Carrots, no gravy, raw peas and the pork stank weird , I had to spit it out. Horrible roast dinner.

Awesome, we have been meaning to eat there for many years. Finally managed it this week. Tasty food, and plenty of it, great prices. We had steak pie chips and peas, delicious. Will be eating there again , that's for sure. Thank you

Great food at very realistic prices served quickly by friendly staff all in a very pleasant environment

After decades of working and eating in restaurants I have to hand it to The Ship Inn for worst first impressions. After accepting our booking at 8 the gentleman informed us that the table might not be ready when we arrived as it was booked for 6. We said no worries, as we could just wait in the bar and all was well. We arrived a little late as we are not familiar with the area and genuinely believed there would be no rush as the table may not be ready. By late, I mean 11 minutes late. When we arrived we were informed the kitchen had closed. We were absolutely dumbfounded. The man who took our booking was brought out looking quite flustered and he very brashly told us that of course he had warned us about the kitchen closing and because we were late they had packed away. As someone who has worked in restaurants since I was 16 (and eating out like a normal person) I have never EVER seen a kitchen shut when a booking was due to arrive. Had we been informed the kitchen would be shutting - rather than we might have to wait for the table to even be ready - then we would have been bright and early as we usually are. Instead of trying to work with us, The Ship Inn continued to lie and assert that we were informed that this would happen. The three of us that made the booking in person were all in agreement that this was never communicated. The man disappeared into the kitchen and we could hear shouting and swearing from the kitchen which made us even more uncomfortable than we already were. The man emerged and said we could have plates of ‘picky bits’ which I suppose was at least an attempt to salvage his mess, but by then it really was a horrid situation. This booking was for my mums hen do and we took the recommendation from the Airbnb we are staying at so we really were looking forward to a nice meal, plenty of drinks and easily spending £2-300. And before you wonder, my mum is 55 so we hardly showed up with blow up dolls etc it’s a very classy and calm affair! Ultimately, this could have completely ruined the evening and whilst I accept we were late, we were by no means MIA. Had the man taking our booking taken my phone number - which he did not - surely a simple call could’ve avoided this. It is my sincere feeling that the kitchen wanted an early night and did not want our business. I have never been turned away from a restaurant and to top it off be called a liar. I will tell anyone to avoid The Ship and we will be passing this on in our feedback to our Airbnb host, as I doubt they will want to continue to list this place as ‘welcoming’; it’s about as welcoming as the local tip.

Beautiful food and helpful staff.

The food was top notch. It was tasty, great value for money, quality food. Great atmosphere. Always seems busy. I believe this is why the staff was not overly chatty. They served us well and helped us with our needs. Good parking. Book in advance as not to be disappointed. Can't wait to go back

Great food and staff. I had T bone steak which was done to perfection. I haven’t felt let down with my meals at The Ship and always look forward to my visits.

A great lunch with a good old friend, we're all pensioners so great value for money

I've had to really think about this review. We have been to The Ship on a few occasions and I don't remember any serious issues previously. However, yesterday was different. We arrived on time for our reservation. We walked into the bar area and were asked about it. We were then told our table number and pointed in the right direction. Not seated or taken to, just pointed. I thought that was a bit off. Anyway, we found our table, round a corner in an annexe off the main room. The room was nice and busy. As we sat down, the young waitress brought over the menus and just dropped them on the table. Two menus for a table of three btw. Our drinks order was taken. My mother ordered a 7Up but was given a lemonade instead as that was what the waitress decided to write down. A few minutes later the drinks were brought over, and we were asked if we were ready to order. We ordered with no problems, and our starters soon arrived, a soup for my mother, the tempura prawns for myself. Both lovely and well presented. My wife had decided to have a dessert once she realised her favourite was on the menu. The starters came and went, and after a short gap, our mains came out. By this time, I had finished my drink and would have liked another, however, despite my empty glass being obvious and predominantly displayed, I wasn't asked if I would like another another drink. My mother enjoyed her steak pie and my wife her Mexican chicken. However my Mississippi Burger was dry and bland, no sauce of any kind, no garnish, nothing. The bread was uninspiring and the bacon over cooked. The chips were brilliant however and I could have enjoyed a slightly larger portion. As my wife and mother seemed very happy with their meals I just put it down to a poor choice on my part and left it at that. After a few minutes ourvtable was cleared of everything, except my empty glass, again nothing was mentioned regarding another drink. We were however asked if we would like a dessert menu. This was at 2:50pm, we had been in the restaurant since 2:00pm and I think 50 minutes for the first two courses os reasonable and acceptable. But then began the long wait. At 3:15 I went to find a waitress to request the dessert menu we had been offered 25 minutes previously. It was brought with incredibly bad grace and just plonked on the table without a byvyour leave or any explanation. About 5 minutes later, we were asked what we wanted. My wife ordered a Black Forest Sundae which she thought was fantastic. The total bill for three people having two courses and one drink each was £70. Which is,in my opinion, very good value for money. We left at 3:30pm. I didn't leave a tip. This is a great place to eat normally. Yesterday, it wasn't. The staff seemed overwhelmed and disinterested at the same time. They had only two taking orders and several large groups to cater for. It really felt as if our small group was an afterthought and not as important as the bigger tables. I was very disappointed. We will return, but if the service is no better next time, it will be our last visit. I'm not sure how much that will mean to the management, as they would be able to lose my business quite happily and still have a successful restaurant.

Lovely place, delicious food. Highly recommend. The Black Forest Sundae is absolutely divine.

Food is excellent, served very quickly and reasonably priced. The drinks are very expensive. However, the restaurant fills up quickly every day, so be sure to book early.

Very very nice lunch our waitress was very attentive all in all

Excellent as always. Extremely good menu with plenty of choice for everyone. Very good size portions, well presented tasty food and served piping hot as it should be. Friendly staff providing attentive service when required. Lovely atmosphere and Special occasion made even more special for one in the party due to a very thoughtful gesture. We would all never hesitate to recommend this excellent local pub and so glad we chose once again to have a great night out. Thank you

Family meal , it was our first time there. It was excellent

Brilliant place will be back soon !

Food ok Staff and attitude were appalling Only one nice member of staff who actually spoke nice and smiled Big family group With a family member who has a medical condition that prevents them from eating an adult meal asked for a child portion only to be told we don’t do kid’s meals but we can make it a smaller portion for the full price Asked if they allowed kids in to no answer We will not be returning Also cctv in the toilets!!!! Apparently they have had a drug problem

Good food at good prices, visited many times and always a good meal and good atmosphere.

Now not dog friendly. Only dogs outside We won't be going again. No dog no business. There are many other pubs that welcome well.brhaved dogs. Ian

This is the second time my son n I have eaten at The Ship. The first time just me and him but this time I took my dad and daughter in law, who is dairy intolerant. The food is excellent in value and variety, it tastes very good. The menu came with a specials menu with a revised price for over 55’s which my Dad chose from, it was the perfect size and his chicken pie was filled to the brim with chicken, not the odd bit of chicken in loads of sauce. My son had mixed grill which was a meat lovers paradise!! All in all the perfect place for a fantastic lunch with attentive staff and beautiful surroundings. Oh and the sundaes are to die for!!!

Friendly atmosphere with great food & reasonable price

We had a lovely lunch here today! I had the prawn medley and it was delicious! The portions are a great size and everything was so fresh and delicious. The cherry and apple crumble with custard was a perfect finish. A young lad with a brilliant memory and a lady with amazing body art served us and were both very attentive and friendly. I will definitely be back xx

It was a birthday experience.Private party.

Handsome food at decent prices , recommend a visit

My new favourite eatery! Freshly cooked food, piping hot and so tasty! Service very good, friendly staff and very reasonably priced. Nice atmosphere too.

First time I have eaten there and it was great 💯 %. 5 star's all the way.

Really good value and quality food.

Delicious food well presented didn't have to wait long to be served, staff really friendly and efficient

Rang to book. table for 4 plus a dog and was informed that they no longer allow dogs. When I asked why apparently they have received complaints? Having looked at the reviews i cannot find any that complain about dogs. So, we have to endure unruly children but not well behaved dogs. Shsme on you for pampering to the few.

A bit dissapointed really...food , service. The Ship has always been our go to place for a good lunch..friendly service. Unfortunatly was not so on our last visit.

Another great place to go. Everything is good can't find anything other than it is so great you might not get in the car park always quite full.

Great pub and resturant. Food was excellent, great service you will not be disappointed. Superb value as well.

Seriously good food, always have dessert.

Lovely pub restaurant, food was excellent, reasonably priced , good service would highly recommend!!!great

It's our Go-to place for a nice evening with friends and excellent food and service!

Lovely friendly pub with good food and polite waiters, definitely be back.

Excellent food and service. Great place to eat.

Visited on Friday 5 January 2024. Hadn’t booked, but we were found a table. I had 2 pints of Maldon Mighty Oak Gorgeous George bitter, which was good. Two courses cost £16.95 each. The homemade steak pie was very good.

Lovely staff and food. Such amazing prices. Nice pub atmosphere, great chips. Vegan options are delicious.

Lovely food. Great place to eat. Will be going back soon

Excellent value for money.lots of vegetarian and vegan choices

Beautiful place food amazing service brilliant 👏

Another fantastic meal for an exceptional price. The seafood platter was lovely and plenty of it.

Food is amazing, portions are huge and very well priced. Very comfortable atmosphere too.

Despite not having booked, we were warmly greeted and shown a table for the four of us. Menu was explained. Lovely variety! Between us we had lasagne, minced beef pie and good old sausage and mash. All arrived together, hot and really tasty. Will most certainly be re visiting, and we will book to avoid any disappointment!

Food was amazing. Service was lovely.

Fast professional service, generous portions, competitive pricing certainly worth a visit!

Excellent food at competitive prices, very quick and friendly staff. What more could you want?

Wonderful sunday lunch. Mixed Roast was outstanding. Service fast, friendly, efficient. Will be back!

Lovely pub to stumble across, food was fantastic as was the service, enough choice for picky eaters too. Would recommend for a lovely meal out.

Went for family gathering here for Sunday lunch (14 of us) been before as the food is home cooked and very tasty, served hot and generous portions. Service is very good also and a lovely comfortable atmosphere. Can't fault it apart from the car park could do with being a bit bigger but that is because the pub is busy and popular!

Massive mixed grill and lovely ribs

Very good food and great value. Beer is a bit expensive, the waitress could of smiled and been more welcoming . Other than that worth a visit as the food is good and you get a good portion.

This is one special place to eat. Just make sure you are hungry when having the Sunday roast 😋

Lovely beachy decor. Good atmosphere.

Stopped for a midweek lunch, having skipped breakfast. It has a good carpark and a quirky pleasant interior. Very clean & welcoming, with excellent bathroom facilities. We ate off the seniors menu, which was set at a good price & with, a really good choice of meals. The size of the meal was perfect & we both enjoyed our selected choice. Some might say the service was slow, but they were exceptionally busy; It was friendly & efficient & the meal was presented well & it was nice & hot. We felt our final bill, represented value for money & were happy to leave a generous tip.

Food was good, but not a great variety of food. Fish and chips was great. No background music. Friendly.

Such a lovely establishment, lovely people lovely staff and great food 👍😊❤️

Great location,stunning views of the bay. Have the dragon 🥧 😎

Friendly, very reasonably priced and food exceeded expectations

Lovely food and beautiful place. Recommended

Great pub serving good food with great service

We regularly enjoy the extensive menu on offer at The Ship Inn, however on this occasion we booked a number of tables for a total of 30 people, to help us celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary, the staff excelled themselves and the whole afternoon went off seamlessly, the food was superb as always and everything was served up in a very timely and efficient manner, everyone enjoyed the afternoon immensely and all commented on the wonderful choice, the generous portions and the exceptional quality of the food on offer. Finally a big thank you to Louise and her team for making our Anniversary a special day to remember, With Kind Wishes, Hilary & David.

Only stopped in for a drink initially,but decided to have some food,very nice indeed! Plus the prices are good,pint of bitter a pound less than from where I live in Kent and very well served as well.

We love the ship, always made to feel welcome and the food is delicious

First time we have visited since new update. Very stylish restaurant. Excellent meals. Good service. Extremely good quality at a very reasonable price. We will return. Thank you

Our experience was not off to a good start when we were greeted by the revolving sight of the barmaid chewing gum with her mouth wide open. I was so disgusted I had difficulty speaking. I thought if this is the standard we can expect, the sight of someone's tongue flapping in their mouth, what is going on behind the scenes that we can't see. However service from the waitress was friendly and fast. The food was freshly cooked, hot and delicious. Excellent value too.

Also great customer service, happy and friendly staff and fabulous food at very good prices. Love the over 55 menus.

Had a great time,food very good,lovely and hot. Had a starter for my main. Lovely.

Brilliant place to eat and we'll priced

We stopped off for bite to eat at this lovely Pub/restaurant...absolutely wonderful 😋

Sat in air con luxury.great food and service. Very reasonable price. Could not fault.

Wonderful food great menu and staff are so attentive had a great experience. I recommend the ship inn

Excellent service and food today 9th September

Excellent Sunday Roast. Great value for money. Was just a little hot sitting in the Conservatory

My mum had the butterfly chicken she said it was really nice with peri peri , my aunt had a pie and chips she said it was also really nice nan had ribs which had plenty of meat on it which is a surprise and I had a chicken basket which was fully loaded with guess what chicken really nice would recommend

Lovely friendly pub resturant food excellent and the staff are so nice relaxing enjoyable place to eat and drink very variable and excellent choice of menus wouldn't go anywhere else